Brewed to Perfection: Quiet Tea | LeviHan | Levi Ackerman x Hange Zoe | FalBi

Chapter 24: Eagle Eyes

The tea shop bustled as usual, the soft clinking of cups and quiet hum of conversation filling the space. Levi worked behind the counter, efficiently pouring tea while Gabi darted between tables, balancing trays like her life depended on it. Falco followed her at a more measured pace, his focus split between helping Gabi and trying not to spill anything.

Hange was stationed at her favorite corner table, poring over a new journal. Her usual chaotic energy was tempered by an air of concentration, though she still managed to mutter nonsensical observations to herself.

Gabi approached the counter, wiping her brow dramatically. "I deserve a medal for balancing five teapots at once. A medal, Levi!"

"You deserve a lecture for almost spilling one," Levi replied, sliding a tray toward her without looking up.

"I didn't almost spill it!" Gabi shot back. "It was part of my technique."

Hange snorted from her corner. "The 'gravity doesn't exist' technique? Revolutionary."

Before Gabi could retort, her eyes caught something shiny. She froze mid-motion, her tray wobbling precariously. "Wait. What's that?"

Hange looked up from her journal. "What's what?"

"That!" Gabi pointed accusingly at Hange's hand, her eyes narrowing. "On your finger. That ring! I've never seen it before!"

Hange blinked, glancing down at her hand as if she'd forgotten the ring was there. "Oh, this? It's just a little something I picked up."

"Picked up?" Gabi repeated, her tone suspicious. "When? Where? You didn't have that when you arrived a few weeks ago."

"Details, Gabi," Hange said dismissively, waving her hand. "Does it really matter?"

"Yes, it matters!" Gabi declared, setting her tray down on the counter and crossing her arms. "You've been back for weeks, and you never said anything about it. Did someone give it to you?"

Falco, who had joined them, tilted his head. "Yeah, is it new?"

Hange raised an eyebrow. "What are you, my jewelers?"

Gabi leaned in, her eyes gleaming with suspicion. "It didn't come from your travels, did it? It's new, isn't it? So, who gave it to you?"

Levi, standing behind the counter, paused for the briefest moment before resuming his work. His movements were as precise as ever, but his ears turned the faintest shade of pink.

Gabi's sharp eyes caught it. "Oh my god," she whispered, her jaw dropping. "It's from Levi, isn't it?!"

Levi let out an exasperated sigh. "Tch. Don't drag me into this nonsense."

"That reaction says everything!" Gabi said triumphantly, pointing at Levi. "You gave her that ring!"

Hange burst into laughter, leaning back in her chair. "Gabi, please. Do you really think Levi Ackerman of all people would go around handing out jewelry? Be serious."

"But you're not denying it!" Gabi pressed, her grin widening.

"I am denying it," Hange said firmly, her tone laced with mock exasperation. "For one, Levi doesn't have time for such frivolities. Two, have you met the man? Jewelry isn't exactly his thing."

Falco frowned thoughtfully. "But you didn't say where it came from."

Hange smirked. "That's because it's none of your business, my dear Falco."

Gabi's suspicion deepened. "You're deflecting."

"I'm clarifying," Hange shot back, crossing her arms. "But if you must know, I came across a very lovely merchant who happened to have exquisite taste. I bought the ring myself. End of story."

"That's way too convenient," Gabi muttered, narrowing her eyes.

"Convenient?" Hange leaned forward, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "You're right, Gabi. It's all part of my grand scheme. The ring is actually a secret weapon I plan to use in my next diplomatic mission. It emits a blinding light that stuns my enemies."

Gabi rolled her eyes. "You're not fooling anyone."

Hange grinned. "Shame. I thought my cover story was solid."

Levi finally broke his silence, his voice dry. "Don't you have tables to clear?"

Gabi turned to him, jabbing a finger in his direction. "Don't think you're off the hook, Levi. I'm watching you."

Levi didn't even look up. "Tch. Watch all you want. Doesn't change anything."

As Gabi huffed and grabbed her tray, Falco gave Hange a small, apologetic smile. "She's just curious."

"Aren't we all?" Hange replied, her grin widening as she glanced briefly at Levi.

Falco hesitated before turning to follow Gabi, leaving the two older scouts alone.

Hange leaned back in her chair, casually spinning the ring on her finger. "You know," she said lightly, "she's not entirely wrong."

Levi's eyes flicked to her briefly before returning to the teapot he was cleaning. "She's entirely wrong."

Hange's laughter bubbled up again, bright and full of mischief. "Whatever you say, Captain. Whatever you say."

From across the room, Gabi squinted at them suspiciously, whispering to Falco. "I swear, they're hiding something."

Falco sighed. "Just let it go, Gabi."

"Never," Gabi declared dramatically, balancing her tray on one hand like a spy in the middle of a stakeout.

Levi glanced at Hange, his lips twitching into what might have been a smirk. "She's not going to drop this, is she?"

Hange grinned, shrugging. "Probably not. But hey, it keeps things interesting."

Levi shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Brats."